Major security alert after unexploded WW2 bomb is discovered in east London

AN unexploded Second World War bomb has been found at a building site in east London.

Local residents were evacuated after a unexploded WWII bomb was discovered

The mortar shell was discovered by workmen in a basement on the site in Temple Street, Bethnal Green at around 12.45pm today.

Local businesses and residents were evacuated "as a precaution", while police investigated.

Roads around the site have been shut off, affecting Hackney Road and Bethnall Green Road, with Metropolitan Police warning of "significant traffic disruption".

In a statement, a spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "Police were called to the scene an unexploded World War 2 device that was discovered by contractors working at Temple Street, Bethnal Green at around 12.45pm today.

"Road closures are in place and local residents and/or businesses will be subject to evacuation as a safety precaution. Specialist officers are on scene.

"Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid this area where possible. Significant traffic disruption is expected."

Police were called to the scene an unexploded World War 2 device that was discovered by contractors working at Temple Street, Bethnal Green at around 12.45pm today

Scotland Yard

Witnesses at the scene said they had been told the bomb is a metre long and was found buried underground as builders were working in the basement of a home.

Residents have taken to Twitter to tell of the evacuation.

One user wrote: "WW2 #bomb found by builders in basement of house in #TempleSt #BethnalGreen #CambridgeHeath - the army are coming!"

Another posted: "Looking like they've just extended the cordon #blastzone #bethnalgreen".

A Tower Hamlets spokesperson added: "We have been made aware that an unexploded World War Two bomb has been uncovered at a building site in Bethnal Green – at the junction of Temple Street and Old Bethnal Green Road.